Middlesex batsman Sam Robson is hoping his side can make a strong start to day three of their County Championship match with Lancashire at Lord’s.

The 2016 champions set the visitors a target of 222 for victory, after being dismissed for 152 on Wednesday.

And Steve Finn made a breakthrough with the ball before the close, trapping Alex Davies lbw for just a single.

Robson had made 58 from 96 balls in the Middlesex second innings, but the hosts slipped from 115-4 to 152 all out after taking a 68-run lead on first innings and he said: “We were in a really good position and then we felt disappointed with some of our dismissals in the middle of our innings.

“But to get that first innings lead was crucial and if we can bowl well in the morning we still feel we can get over the line.

“There’s more than enough in the pitch and it’s not getting any easier. We’re a bowler down and Toby Roland-Jones is an outstanding bowler. But all the guys are fresh so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

“If we bowl well we’re in the box seat.”

Roland-Jones will not bowl after having a scan on a side strain and Lancashire’s Tom Bailey believes the start of play will be crucial for his side’s hopes of success.

He added: “We’re still playing for second place and we can win this one if we dig in for the first hour.

“It’s important for us to remain positive on that sort of wicket. Hass [Hameed] played a good innings for us at the end. I will back us to come away with victory.”

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